Head of Schools

Company Description

KIPP Public Schools is a national network of tuition-free public charter schools preparing students with the skills and confidence needed to create the futures they want for themselves, their communities, and us all. We are a network of 279 schools, nearly 16,500 educators, and 210,000 students and alumni. KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools (KPPS) is part of the national KIPP Public Schools network and currently leads eight schools serving 3,400 students in North and West Philadelphia. By 2030, KPPS will be serving approximately 4,000 students.

KPPS Mission

Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students to pursue the paths they choose-college, career, and beyond-so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Life at KPPS

At KPPS, we believe that talented, committed, and culturally competent educators and staff are the foundation of our students' success. We work to create a professional community grounded in joy, candor, care, and connection - where every team member can bring their authentic self, grow in their craft, and contribute to meaningful work. Here is what you can expect:

• Commitment to Anti-Racism & Equity: Join a team dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and creating inclusive, culturally responsive schools where all students and staff can thrive.
• Joyful, Inclusive Community: Work in a collaborative, identity-affirming environment that values relationships, celebrates individuality, and supports the well-being of adults and children alike.
• Competitive & Equitable Compensation: Benefit from transparent compensation structures, including performance-based bonuses that recognize meaningful contributions.
• Professional Growth & Leadership Pathways: Access high-quality development - including coaching, workshops, and tailored leadership opportunities - designed to support your long-term career trajectory.
• Authenticity & Belonging : Be part of a culture that encourages you toshow up as your full self and contribute to a community rooted in trust and respect.
• People-Centered Excellence: Join colleagues who believe strong relationships and thoughtful preparation drive excellent outcomes-for students and for staff.
• Comprehensive Well-Being Support: Receive whole-person support through coaching, mental health resources, wellness initiatives, and team-building experiences that prioritize your professional and personal growth.

Job Description

The Head of Schools (HOS) directly develops and manages a set of School Leaders. The HOS supports School Leaders in achieving their leadership potential, in creating a joyful, rigorous school experience, and in driving breakthrough academic student outcomes. The HOS also serves as a critical member of our Senior Leadership, helping to shape the strategies, initiatives, and decisions that will deepen and expand KPPS's impact on students and families throughout Philadelphia. The HOS reports to the Chief Schools Officer.

Key Responsibilities:

School Leader Management & Training

• Provide differentiated management and coaching support to School Leaders 1-1 and as a group across the breadth of School Leader competencies, including (but not limited to):
  • Instructional knowledge
  • Teacher and AP coaching/development
  • School culture
  • Staff culture
  • Talent management
  • Family engagement
  • Time management/effective planning & prioritization
• Effectively and regularly evaluate school, School Leader, and Leadership Team strengths and needs.
• Analyze and respond to school-wide data and be equipped to report findings out to the region and to support School Leader interventions.
• Design and execute School Leader and assistant principal training and professional development, in partnership with the CSO and Academic Team members.
• Create tools and exemplars to support school leader execution - on boarding materials, AP coaching materials, LT meeting agendas, etc.
• Serve as first point of contact for School Leaders in troubleshooting family/staff concerns, student crises, human resources issues, etc. and support School Leaders in resolving issues appropriately, quickly, and effectively.
• Serve as interim principle when unplanned gaps in leadership occur.

Regional Support & Collaboration

• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, working closely with our CEO, COO, and CSO to inform decision-making and shape the direction of the organization.
• Work closely with academic team members who are supporting schools.
• Inform region wide school design - academics, culture, staffing, schedules, etc.
• Support regional talent assessments and school leader succession planning.

Who You Are:

• You love and see the high potential of all children.
• You have experience driving student growth and achievement, and creating a warm, inclusive, rigorous learning environment.
• You have a passion for facilitating professional learning, including a desire to continuously grow and learn as a leader.
• You operate with cultural competence and a commitment to inclusion, anti-racism, and the eradication of anti-Blackness.
• You believe that teachers are the primary drivers of student growth, learning, and achievement.
• You have high expectations for students and teachers, and the ability to motivate, inspire, and hold others accountable.
• You are solutions-oriented and have an eagerness to adapt in order to solve problems.

Qualifications

• A deep commitment to the mission of KIPP and an unwavering belief in the potential of our students
• A track record of success in driving strong academic outcomes for students, a positive and affirming school culture, an invested staff culture, and adeptly navigating the complexities of running a school.
• Experience in effectively managing and coaching high-level leaders with a diversity of experiences and skill levels and across lines of difference.
• Deep instructional knowledge and ability to analyze data.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment in decision-making.
• Flexibility and ability to multi-task within a fast-moving, dynamic environment, while also driving toward clarity, simplicity, and solutions.
• 3+ years of experience leading a strong school that serves a population facing economic hardship and barriers to access required.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Masters in Educational Leadership required.
• Willingness to work toward Pennsylvania leadership certification
• Complete all required criminal and child abuse background checks:
  • PA State Police Clearance
  • PA Child Abuse Clearance
  • Cogent Federal Fingerprinting

Additional Information

Compensation

• Salary range for this position is $140,000-$150,000 commensurate with experience.
• All full-time team members at KPPS enjoy a comprehensive health benefits package (including vision and dental, a telehealth option, and flexible spending accounts) for themselves and their families as well as a 403B matching program for retirement savings.

Note to Applicants

• KIPP Philadelphia Schools is an equal opportunity employer. Employees are selected on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.